A draft letter [but sent in the original state by Emma Darwin]. Approves of FJW’s notice of his views.

CD has slightly revised parts in view of both approving and disapproving critics, but still remains convinced about his fundamental notions.

Discusses his blunder in "confounding the two foramina" [in the skull] of apes [in Descent].

Discusses views of George Rolleston, St George Mivart, and Huxley on the occurrence of the foramina.

Thanks WO for his replies [to 7551]. Discusses the open mouth in surprise; asks WO to investigate its function in hearing and breathing.

Asks why deaf persons generally keep mouths open.

Asks whether Bugis are Malays.

Believes he has committed an oversight with regard to sexual selection in insects. Cites conclusions of B. T. Lowne, which are similar to GBM’s.

Pleased about sale and new issue [of Descent]. Discusses presentation copies.

Thanks BJS for his interesting letter about parrots and language.

Asks whether Bugis [Buggess] are Malays. [See 7587.]

Wants WED to thank F. de Chaumont for some valuable observations.

PM’s letter and newspaper article [see 7576] show him to be still vigorous. CD doubts that he himself will be good for much more.

Thanks RHB for information on expression in the blind.

Sends queries on expression and asks whether he could answer them with respect to those born blind.

No summary available.

Appreciative response to ARW’s "grand review" of Descent in the Academy [2 (1871–2): 177–82]. Comments in detail on ARW’s criticisms.

Comments on FCD’s 1848 work [see 7582] in which he came near to anticipating CD.

Comments on FCD’s paper [on action of the eyelids, see 7203]. Asks about contraction or dilation of the iris due to emotional states, illness, or prostration.

Agrees that in a deaf person the jaw may fall because of concentrated attention.

In surprise, mouth is opened suddenly and chest filled with air. This expression occurs in all parts of the world. Odd that so simple a movement is so perplexing to understand.

Thanks TRRS for copy of his book [Essays on Darwinism (1871)].

Reports on sales and reception of his book [Descent]. Thanks HED for her help.

Wallace’s article in the Academy [2 (1870–1): 177–82] shows CD has had no influence on him; the review has had hardly any influence on CD.

Pleased with sum the reprint [of Descent] has produced. Terms of payment accepted.

Thanks JM for Nonconformist [review of Descent, 32 (1871): 240–1].

Would like to see other out-of-way reviews – especially religious.

Other reviews favourable, including Wallace’s [see 7569], which is admirable.

Comments on WRG’s MS on ratio of the sexes at birth.

Offers to send J. M. A. Thury’s paper ["Loi de production des sexes", Arch. Sci. Phys. & Nat. 18 (1863): 91–8].

Thanks PH for his memoir on Poterion [Natuurkd. Verh. Utrecht 2 (1870)].